What Is DMT?
DMT is short for N,N-dimethyltryptamine, a hallucinogenic drug that naturally occurs in many plant species and can also be made in a laboratory. It is sometimes called the spirit molecule because of the intense psychedelic experience it produces. DMT is a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, which means it is illegal to make, buy, possess, or distribute it. Some people use DMT in religious ceremonies and various settings for an “awakening” or to obtain deep spiritual insight.
Psychedelic substance
How Safe Is DMT?
DMT is a hallucinogen that packs a pretty fast and powerful trip.
Powerful as it is, it appears to have the lowest side effect profile compared with other psychedelic drugs like LSD and magic mushrooms (psilocybin).
Still, DMT carries some risks.
It’s hard to predict how you’ll react to using DMT because it depends on several factors, including:
- your weight
- your body composition
- the state of your physical and mental health
People take DMT and other psychedelics to experience effects like euphoria, increased creativity, and spiritual insight. It’s known as the “spirit molecule,” after all.
Not everyone enjoys these effects, though. Some people report feeling like they’re having a near-death experience or traveling to another world or dimension (and not in a fun way).
Other negative side effects of DMT include:
- uneasiness
- anxiety
- paranoia
- dilated pupils
- visual disturbances
Are there any risks linked to it?
DMT does come with some potential psychological and physical risks.
Psychological risks
Like most hallucinogens, DMT has the potential to take you on a bad trip, which can be overwhelming and terrifying. People have reported being left shaken by a bad DMT trip for days, weeks, and even months.
Taking a higher dose increases
Physical risks
Increased heart rate and blood pressure are both side effects of DMT, which can be bad news if you already have a heart condition or high blood pressure.
Before using DMT, it’s important to know how it interacts with other substances.
Other hallucinogens
Using DMT with other hallucinogens like LSD or magic mushrooms can make an already strong trip even more intense.
Stimulants
Taking DMT with stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine may heighten DMT-related feelings of fear or anxiety.
Opioids
DMT shouldn’t be taken with opioids, especially tramadol, because of an increased risk of seizure.